WILLEMSTAD - Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth, Curaçao’s leading epidemiologist, reassured the community yesterday during a press release that “there is absolutely no reason to panic”. Dr. Gerstenbluth gave a presentation yesterday on how well prepared Curaçao is in case of the coronavirus.
Gerstenbluth says that now that the coronavirus is spreading further from China, it seems to be less deadly than it appeared just after the outbreak. Just like with any flu, people with a bad immune system are particularly vulnerable.
“We don't play down the problem. It is a new virus that is spreading rapidly, and little is known about, for example, the incubation period, the period between infection and symptoms, so we must be well prepared.”
According to Gerstenbluth, there are currently more than 8,000 confirmed cases of infection with the new type of coronavirus worldwide. A few days ago, there were 2,000, but the number of deaths is unchanged 171. The number of actual infections will be much more than the confirmed number of 8,000.
The epidemiologist says that the question is not whether a first case will arise in Curaçao, but when. “The world is small. We travel and people from other countries carry the virus. That is unavoidable.”
In the meantime, Curaçao is well prepared when an infection case arises. The population is informed. General practitioners and medical specialists are kept up to date on new developments in the coronavirus and report via a monitoring system on remarkable infections among patients.
In addition, there is a consultation with the authorities of the airport and port and with the tourist office CTB. All of these agencies are instructed on what should happen if someone exhibits disease symptoms that may be caused by a coronavirus infection.
Anyone who has been to an area where cases have already been found and within fourteen days of returning has a fever and symptoms of flu must report this to the doctor by telephone. The advice will generally be to stay at home and get sick, because there is no medicine or treatment to fight the virus.
There is no vaccine yet to prevent infection with the virus. This is transmitted from person to person via the air, for example sneezing and coughing, or with contaminated hands via eyes, nose and mouth. Symptoms that indicate coronavirus infection are fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, sneezing, tiredness, and breathing problems.
“People can do a lot themselves to prevent the virus from spreading,” says Gerstenbluth.
“Avoid contact with someone who sneezes and coughs and if you are a bit sick, stay at home. The doctor cannot do much more than give something against the fever and headache. Anyone in doubt or getting serious complications should contact his or her doctor.”
Photo credit: Extra
